11 Essential Tips for Traveling with a Baby During the Pandemic

After the challenges of the past few years, many of us are eager to return to our pre-pandemic travel routines.

For parents with babies, however, travel might bring additional concerns. Those who welcomed a little one during the pandemic may not have had the chance to travel with their baby pre-COVID, and the thought of starting now could be a bit overwhelming with all the added precautions.

Yet, whether we're in the post-pandemic phase, still in the midst of it, or dealing with the lingering effects of COVID-19, traveling with a baby doesn't have to be as stressful as it may seem.

There are ways to travel safely with your baby while still enjoying a well-deserved family getaway. Some tips may apply to travel in 'normal' times, or to anyone traveling during a pandemic, but they're particularly useful for families with a little one. Here's what you need to know to travel as safely and smoothly as possible with your baby.

Consult with your doctor to determine the right age for your baby to fly

At TPG, we're travel pros, not medical experts, so it's important to check with your pediatrician before deciding when your baby is ready to take their first flight.

To give you a little guidance, we spoke with Dr. Jenny Yu, Medical Director at Healthline, who shared insights on when babies can safely travel. 'While full-term babies usually have a well-developed immune system by 1 month, most pediatricians suggest waiting until 3 to 6 months before flying,' she explained. 'Babies have a low risk of catching a COVID-19 infection, especially if parents practice good hand hygiene and wear masks.' If your baby was born prematurely, however, you might want to wait a bit longer before planning a flight and be sure to consult your doctor first.

Ensure your baby is up to date on their vaccinations

We're not talking about COVID-19 vaccinations (at least not yet), but other vaccines still play an important role.

Dr. Yu advises, 'It's important for babies to receive their initial vaccinations around 2 months to protect them from common infections like hepatitis, rotavirus, influenza, and others.' Be mindful that your baby may experience a mild fever or a small reaction after vaccinations, so it's best to wait a couple of days before flying.

Choose your travel destination carefully

When planning your trip, select a destination that you're comfortable with or familiar with, especially if it's your first journey with your baby. Consider factors like your comfort level using public transport with your baby in a busy city or navigating language barriers in case you need medical assistance or face any unexpected situations.

If you're particularly concerned about COVID-19, consider a warmer destination with plenty of outdoor activities, as these offer easier social distancing and better ventilation.

Dr. Yu recommends checking COVID-19 data for your travel destination to ensure you're visiting a location with low infection rates. You can find safety updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the COVID-19 situation and other health risks in other countries.

Get your baby accustomed to wearing a mask at home – and bring plenty along for the trip

If your little one is approaching toddler age, you may want to practice wearing masks at home, especially depending on your flight destination.

Make mask-wearing a fun activity by explaining it to your child in simple terms and turning it into a game. Kids love to mimic their parents, so use this to your advantage. For babies under 2, it's still a good idea to wear masks around them at home so they can get used to seeing you with a mask on and won't be constantly pulling it off during the flight.

And just like with diapers, make sure to pack plenty of extra masks in your carry-on bag.

Invest a bit more in airfare (or use those miles) for added comfort and convenience

One thing I quickly realized as a mom is that babies (and kids) come with a hefty price tag. I initially thought traveling with a baby would be cheaper, assuming I wouldn't need to pay for his seat until he turned 2.

However, I quickly learned that choosing full-fare airlines over budget carriers for more comfortable seats, upgrading from basic economy to regular economy for more flexibility, and using my points and miles to book business class seats for extra room has been the norm since my baby arrived.

While it's more expensive to travel this way, it has definitely made our journeys with the baby easier, regardless of the pandemic.

Holding airline elite status can be a game-changer, offering parents (and non-parents alike) access to premium seats, free checked luggage, and other valuable perks.

Spending a bit more to choose your seat ahead of time can make a big difference.

Selecting a seat that suits you and your baby—along with any other travel companions—can make your flight much more comfortable. Consider sitting farther from the bathrooms to avoid crowds, and choosing nonstop flights or those that align with your baby's nap times to help minimize fussiness and jet lag for the whole family.

Whenever possible, be sure to call ahead to reserve a bassinet if your baby is still small enough to use one.

Pack plenty of sanitizer, wipes, and other essentials

Check out our full guide on packing and traveling with a baby for more helpful tips on what to bring when flying.

For pandemic-era travel with your infant, ensure you have plenty of baby-safe sanitizer and wipes to disinfect tray tables, armrests, and other surfaces. Babies touch almost everything and often put things in their mouths, so cleaning surfaces is a must. You can also use baby-safe sanitizer to clean hotel cribs, taxi seats, or anything your baby might touch during your travels.

Bring toys that are harder to throw on the floor and remove any in-flight materials that your baby might be able to reach. This will help reduce their exposure to germs during the flight.

Book accommodations with convenient access to COVID-19 testing (or bring your own tests)

If you're traveling internationally, you'll still need a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day before returning to the U.S. This can be a hassle, especially in destinations where testing options are limited or in certain European countries where many places close on Sundays.

If your hotel or the airport you're departing from offers testing, it can simplify things, especially if you need to test a 2-year-old. Administering a nasal swab can be stressful enough without worrying about where to get it done.

Alternatively, you can order and bring your own CDC-approved tests with you—just make sure the test you choose is suitable for young children.

Double-check travel requirements and ensure you have all the necessary documentation

Be sure to verify and confirm the rules for vaccines, testing, and other requirements at your destination.

You should also check that both your and your baby's passports and visas are up to date, have consent letters (if needed) for traveling with your baby without your partner, and make sure any other necessary documents for your entire family are in order.

Many airlines offer apps, like VeriFly, to help you organize and streamline your documents ahead of time, so you don't forget anything important. Some countries require vaccine passports to enter certain venues like restaurants and bars. Other destinations use websites or apps to submit forms and upload vaccine or test results before you travel, with travelers showing a printout or QR code upon arrival.

Since rules and regulations can change frequently, it's a good idea to check regularly to make sure you have everything you'll need.

Travel with insurance, especially when heading abroad

Babies can fall ill, whether it's during a pandemic or not. It's wise to invest in travel insurance (one that covers COVID-19, as well as other potential illnesses, accidents, or emergencies) in case your baby gets sick or you need to cancel or change your trip due to unexpected events.

It's also a good idea to research the nearest healthcare facility or hospital in your destination before you go, particularly if you're traveling to a foreign country.

While many airlines and hotels offer flexible booking policies, travel insurance can make dealing with illness, emergencies, or accidents much less stressful. Also, check if your credit cards provide travel insurance that could help in case of an unforeseen situation.

Fly during off-peak times

"Currently, the situation is stable in the U.S., which makes it a good time to travel. Driving may help reduce risks, but airlines have implemented excellent measures to keep passengers safe on flights," Yu shared with TPG.

It's true—major U.S. airlines have safety programs in place to protect passengers, such as the American Clean Commitment, Delta CareStandard, and United CleanPlus. These programs include HEPA filters, enhanced cleaning procedures, and even touchless lavatories on select aircraft.

That said, it might be less stressful to travel on less crowded dates or days of the week, or to give yourself some flexibility around holiday periods.

Flying the day before Thanksgiving or the Friday before Memorial Day typically means larger crowds, more people, and more travel-related stress—especially with a baby in tow. However, flying on a quiet Wednesday in April or June, outside of spring break, may offer shorter lines and an emptier plane, reducing your COVID-19 risk and making for a more pleasant travel experience overall.

Take advantage of family lanes and perks at the airport

Whether you're traveling during peak times or not, make sure to use all the family perks available, such as dedicated TSA lines, elevators and accessibility lanes for strollers, and priority boarding. These can ease your journey with a baby and help you avoid crowded areas and long waits.

Some countries even offer shorter customs and immigration lines for families, so keep an eye out for signs or announcements that can help reduce your time and stress while traveling.

In conclusion

It's true—traveling during the COVID-19 era can feel overwhelming, especially when you have a baby in tow.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, giving you the well-deserved break we all need.